Raiders DE Shilique Calhoun feels like himself again in new scheme

Raiders defensive end Shilique Calhoun hasn’t performed in the NFL like he did while at Michigan State. But the former third-round pick is finally feeling like his old self again. He credits Oakland’s new coaching staff.

“I think the style of defense they run really fits me as a player. It allows me to be aggressive, allows me to be the person that I was before I got here. It lets me be the person I was in high school, the person I was in college. It allows me to be aggressive and make plays,” Calhoun said after the Raiders’ preseason win against the Packers, per The Athletic’s Vic Tafur.

Calhoun amassed an impressive 44 tackles for loss and 27 sacks as a Spartan, prompting general manager Reggie McKenzie to select the pass-rush specialist with the No. 75 overall pick in 2016. He was relegated to outside linebacker duties in former coach Jack Del Rio’s scheme, however, and often had to drop in coverage when he did play, much like DE Bruce Irvin.

Calhoun continued his rebirth this preseason with two tackles for loss and a quarterback sack against the Packers. He and fellow DE Fadol Brown both impressed and figure to be on the roster bubble.

Regardless of Calhoun’s fate, his strong showing is a great sign for Oakland’s defense. Superstar DE Khalil Mack figures to return this season from his holdout, and Irvin is enjoying the same freedom to attack as Calhoun. Along with rookie DE Arden Key, the Raiders’ pass rush figures to be improved in 2018.